Ex-NFL WR's cousin to plead guilty in drug case

Associated Press

October 2, 2012

DALLAS — A cousin of former NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd has agreed to plead guilty in connection with allegations that Hurd tried to establish a drug-distribution network, according to documents filed by prosecutors.

Express Newsletters

Get the latest news, sports and food features sent directly to your inbox.

Jesse Tyrone Chavful signed a plea agreement Monday on one count of conspiracy to possess 5 or more kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute. The plea agreement calls for a minimum of 10 years in prison.

According to the agreement, Hurd asked Chavful last year to find him 10 kilograms of cocaine.

Chavful then allegedly tried to arrange a deal with people who turned out to be federal informants. He was recorded telling an informant “not to worry about the payment for the drugs because Hurd had money,” the agreement said.

Hurd is accused of trying to set up a ring to distribute cocaine and marijuana. He was arrested in December outside a Chicago-area steakhouse after allegedly accepting cocaine from an undercover agent.

Court documents say Hurd took 1 kilogram — 2.2 pounds — of cocaine and told the officer he wanted to eventually buy 5 to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week.

The San Antonio native was cut by the Bears after his arrest. He also had played for the Dallas Cowboys.

Hurd was released on bond, but re-arrested and held after failing two drug tests and allegedly trying to set up another drug deal with Chavful's help.

Hurd has previously pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors last month filed a guilty plea agreement signed by Hurd. But Ethington said the document was a draft and no plea agreement had been reached.

The U.S. attorney's office has not withdrawn the plea documents, and Hurd is expected to appear in court today.